Modal integration of bus and car in UK local transport policy: The case for strategic environmental assessment

Richardson, Jeremy; Parkhurst, Graham

Abstract

The number of short-range bus park and ride (P&R) schemes in the UK grew considerably during the 1990s and further increase is expected in the current decade. Over the same period, concerns about both the local and strategic environmental consequences also grew. The present paper argues that many of the outstanding concerns regarding P&R schemes reflect the fact that their effects are wider in both time and space than the scope of existing statutory planning assessments. Hence, the case for a more strategic approach to assessment is put. The application of such an approach is illustrated using two hypothetical variants of car-bus interchange. It is concluded that Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) would be more able to evaluate the wider environmental, social and economic sustainability of P&R proposals. In consequence, objections to P&R schemes would be more fairly assessed. Possible practical implications are identified: alternatives to P&R may be preferred more often by local authorities but, where P&R continues to be promoted, the interchanges are likely to be provided closer to users' origins, in order to maximise car traffic interception. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Aug 31, 2002
• Journal: Journal of Transport Geography
• Print ISSN: 0966-6923
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 10
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 195-206
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0966-6923%2802%2900011-X
• Keywords: interchange, park and ride, strategic environmental assessment
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1076786
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0966-6923(02)00011-X
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Lead author. One of 5 publications on theme by Parkhurst 2002-5 (themselves part of ten-year personal research programme on topic). Funding (approx. £200,000) from range of sources including ESRC Designated Research Centre. Several national/local media interviews, newspaper article, cited in parliamentary question. Findings appended to DfT guidance on park-and-ride.